Maresca Drops Bombshell on Chelsea's Next Big Transfer Target

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has stated that acquiring a replacement for injured center-back Levi Colwill is a "priority" for him. However, whether the club's transfer team shares this viewpoint remains uncertain.

Colwill suffered an injury during Monday's training session, grabbing his knee in pain. Medical examinations revealed that the influential defender had torn his anterior cruciate ligament, requiring surgical intervention that will likely sideline him for the majority of the 2025–26 season.

Surprisingly, initial reports following Colwill's injury suggested that Chelsea had no plans to purchase a new center-back as his replacement. Instead, recently signed Jorrel Hato—who primarily operated as a left-back in the previous campaign—was identified as Colwill's potential successor.

Maresca publicly challenged this approach.

"This is a priority for me," the Chelsea manager stated to Channel 5 regarding the possibility of bringing in a new defender. "Levi is an exceptional player. Our success last season was built on his contributions. He featured in numerous matches under my guidance, and I have great admiration for him. His absence will be deeply felt."

Nevertheless, Maresca also significantly noted: "We are exploring alternative options as well."

The Blues have maintained their characteristically bold approach in this summer's transfer window, investing over £240 million ($322.8 million) on numerous new signings, predominantly in attacking positions.

Chelsea have also generated more than £200 million through player departures this window, positioning them favorably financially to continue their spending spree. Nevertheless, their attention seems focused on more offensive-minded acquisitions. Talks for Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho have reportedly intensified recently, while there remains genuine optimism that a deal for RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons can be completed.

The sole defender Chelsea have been loosely connected with, Crystal Palace's Marc Guéhi, appears close to joining Liverpool. If anything, the Blues are nearer to offloading a center-back rather than acquiring one.

Renato Veiga's potential transfer to Atlético Madrid fell through earlier this summer, but he remains available for purchase despite Colwill's injury, according to Fabrizio Romano. The 22-year-old Portuguese international is reportedly attracting attention from "multiple clubs" with detailed negotiations expected in the upcoming days.